NICHOLS
Nichols
Overview:
Nichols is a notable surname that originates from Britain. The name is of patronymic origin, meaning it is derived from the personal name “Nicholas”, which comes from the Greek name “Nikolaos” consisting of “nike” meaning victory and “laos” meaning people. It is considered to be of Christian significance, given its roots in the name of Saint Nicholas.
Distribution and Frequency:
The surname Nichols is widely distributed in Britain and has been recorded across various regions. It is notably present in England, Scotland, and Wales. According to census data and genealogical records, Nichols ranks as one of the common surnames in Britain.
Historical Origins:
The surname Nichols can be traced back to medieval times when the practice of using surnames became more common. The name Nicholas was popular in that era, and over time, people started adopting it as a hereditary surname. It was used to identify a person as the “son of Nicholas”, which later evolved into the surname Nichols.
Variants:
Over the years, variations of the surname Nichols have emerged, including Nicholls, Nickols, Nickolls, and Nicolls. These variations can be attributed to regional accents, dialects, and handwriting interpretations, leading to different spellings of the original surname.
Notable People:
The surname Nichols has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. This includes prominent figures in various fields such as literature, politics, entertainment, and sports. Some notable individuals with the surname Nichols include:
- John Nichols: an English printer, antiquary, and author known for his literary works.
- Rachel Nichols: a British journalist and newsreader recognised for her contributions to broadcasting.
- Mike Nichols: an American film director born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky, who achieved success in Hollywood.
Modern Significance:
In the contemporary era, the surname Nichols continues to be prevalent among British families and communities. Many individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions to society and continue to uphold the family name with pride.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 13,166 people named Nichols in the UK. That makes it the 680th most common surname in Britain. Around 202 in a million people in Britain are named Nichols.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Knichel
- Nechols
- Nichal
- Nichall
- Nichalls
- Nichals
- Nichalson
- Nichas
- Nichel
- Nichell
- Nichells
- Nichels
- Nichelson
- Nichils
- Nichlas
- Nichles
- Nichless
- Nichlols
- Nichlos
- Nichoals
- Nichoels
- Nichol
- Nichola
- Nicholais
- Nicholas
- Nicholass
- Nichold
- Nicholes
- Nicholess
- Nicholeus
- Nicholies
- Nicholis
- Nicholl
- Nichollas
- Nicholle
- Nicholles
- Nichollis
- Nichollls
- Nicholls
- Nicholos
- Nicholson
- Nicholus
- Nichools
- Nickals
- Nickel
- Nickels
- Nickhols
- Nickle
- Nickoles
- Nickolls
- Nickols
- Nicles
- Nicol
- Nicole
- Nicoles
- Nicoll
- Nicolle
- Nicolls
- Nicols
- Nicolson
- Nikkel
- Nitchell
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.